Kym Johnson, the celebrated professional dancer who captured audiences' hearts during her fifteen-season run on Dancing With the Stars, has set her sights on a permanent return to the beloved ballroom competition—this time from the judges' panel. Her recent guest judging appearance on Season 34 has only strengthened her desire to step into a more permanent role, offering her unique perspective as both a former champion and seasoned performer.
During a candid conversation on the February 13 episode of Live With Kelly and Mark, Johnson opened up about her experience behind the judges' desk, describing it as an exhilarating change of perspective. "It was so fun to be on the other side. I know what they're going through. I've been there and done that," she reflected, her voice carrying the weight of experience from years of high-pressure performances and countless hours in the rehearsal studio.
The audience response to her guest judging debut was overwhelmingly positive, with fans flooding social media with requests for ABC to add her to the permanent judging lineup. When host Kelly Ripa directly asked if she would be interested in such a position, Johnson didn't hesitate. "I would love to. It was so great," she enthused, her passion for the show clearly undiminished since her departure as a pro dancer in 2017.
What made the experience particularly rewarding for Johnson was the opportunity to share her accumulated wisdom with the current crop of competitors. "It was really fun to give them some little tips that I've sort of learned along the way. So, I loved it. It's such a great show," she explained. This sentiment resonated with Ripa, who emphasized the importance of having authentic dance expertise on the panel. "I really think you need dancers to be the judge[s] of dancers. I don't think you can just have people step in that don't have a dance terminology, technology, behind the judge," Ripa noted, highlighting the value of Johnson's extensive background.
Indeed, Johnson's credentials are impeccable. She competed as a professional dancer on DWTS for an impressive fifteen seasons from 2006 to 2017, partnering with celebrities and guiding them through the rigorous demands of ballroom competition. Her talent and dedication culminated in two mirrorball trophy victories, cementing her legacy as one of the show's most successful pros. The current judging panel—Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough—all share similar professional dance backgrounds, making Johnson a natural fit should a position become available.
Beyond her professional aspirations, Johnson's connection to Dancing With the Stars runs even deeper—it's where she found love. During Season 20 in 2015, she was paired with businessman and Shark Tank investor Robert Herjavec. What began as a professional partnership blossomed into a genuine romance, captivating viewers who watched their chemistry unfold both on and off the dance floor. The couple married in 2016, just a year after their season premiered, and have since built a beautiful family together.
Their family expanded in 2018 with the arrival of twins, Haven and Hudson, who have become the center of their world. Herjavec also has three older children from his previous marriage to Diane Plese, creating a blended family that Johnson embraces wholeheartedly. The couple's appearance on Live With Kelly and Mark coincided with a Valentine's Day theme, providing the perfect opportunity to discuss how they celebrate the romantic holiday.
Rather than focusing on grand romantic gestures between just the two of them, Johnson revealed that their Valentine's Day celebrations have evolved to center around their children. "We'll wake up, do pancakes shaped like hearts," she shared with a smile, painting a picture of cozy family traditions. "Robert's really romantic and very thoughtful, so he'll always get lots of balloons for the kids, and then flowers for me, and he gets flowers for my mom. It's very sweet."
Herjavec's thoughtfulness apparently knows no bounds, as Johnson recounted when co-host Mark Consuelos inquired about the first gift she ever received from her now-husband. The story perfectly encapsulates their fairy-tale romance and Herjavec's attentive nature. It all began during their first date, when they were driving to attend a friend's vow renewal ceremony. Johnson nearly lost a bracelet in Herjavec's car, an incident that would lead to an incredibly romantic gesture.
"He goes, 'You must have been so worried about this.' And I said, 'Oh, it's fake. I wasn't worried.' [It was] costume jewelry," Johnson recalled. The casual dismissal of the bracelet's value apparently struck a chord with Herjavec. The very next day, after Johnson returned home from rehearsals, she discovered a surprise waiting on her doorstep—a box containing a stunning real tennis bracelet.
But the jewelry itself wasn't the most meaningful part of the gift. Inside the box, a note from Herjavec read: "There's nothing fake about you." Johnson's eyes still light up when she remembers those words. "It was the note that was the most beautiful [part]," she gushed, clearly still moved by the sentiment years later.
This story reveals the depth of their connection and Herjavec's ability to see and appreciate Johnson's authentic self—something that has clearly sustained their relationship through the years, demanding careers, and the challenges of raising young children. Their love story, which began in the glittering ballroom of DWTS, has transformed into a grounded, family-focused partnership that values thoughtfulness and genuine connection over flashy displays.
As Johnson looks toward the future, her potential return to Dancing With the Stars as a judge would bring her journey full circle. From competitor to champion to mentor, she has experienced every facet of the show and has the unique ability to guide the next generation of dancers with empathy, expertise, and constructive insight. Fans who have followed her career since her early seasons would undoubtedly welcome her back with open arms, eager to see her bring her trademark warmth and professionalism to the judging panel.
For now, Johnson continues to balance her professional ambitions with her role as a mother and wife, finding joy in heart-shaped pancakes and thoughtful gestures while keeping the door open for a possible return to the ballroom that made her a household name. Whether she'll be sitting behind the judges' desk permanently remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Kym Johnson's passion for dance and her love story with Robert Herjavec continue to inspire fans who have followed her remarkable journey.